Arlene Phillips is government dance champ

By Jessica Elgot, August 13, 2009

Arlene Phillips was dropped from Strictly Come Dancing

The former Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips has been appointed a "dance champion" by the Health Secretary.
The choreographer, 66, was dropped by the BBC show in favour of 30-year-old singer Alesha Dixon, in a move which caused public outcries of ageism.

Now Health Secretary Andy Burnham has asked Ms Phillips to become a “dance champion” to get Britain exercising, and encourage people to take part in dance classes.

Her appointment comes as part of a new campaign by the government to up Britain’s exercise levels.
Mr Burnham said: "We're really in danger of being known as the best in the world for watching sport, but one of the worst for getting out there and doing it ourselves."